1970-S Repunched Mintmark RPM-011

Description

Final entry in the six-variety RPM roster for the 1970-S proof Jefferson Nickel, RPM-011 exhibits S/S East displacement and carries UVC-563 and DMR-013 catalog numbers. The eastward corrective punch left the original S impression's western traces visible beneath the final mintmark position, completing a date that produced three eastward and three tilted RPM varieties — a remarkable output that makes 1970-S one of the most productive proof nickel dates for repunched mintmark collectors. Stage A documents both obverse and reverse in early die state, with Stages B and C unconfirmed at mid-die state and late die state. The abundance of RPMs on 1970-S proof nickels may partly reflect the sheer number of die pairs San Francisco prepared for that year's proof sets, each requiring individual hand-punching. More dies in preparation meant more opportunities for the slight misalignments that create RPM varieties. Composed of 75% copper and 25% nickel, these proof coins were distributed exclusively through official Mint proof sets sold directly to collectors. The hand-punched mintmark era would continue through the 1980s before the Mint finally transitioned to master die mintmarks.

Die Markers

• UVC-563
• DMR-013
• Stage A:
• Obverse and Reverse are EDS
• Stage B:
• MDS (unconfirmed)
• Stage C:
• LDS (unconfirmed)

Attribution History

• Discovered by Timothy Wissert
• Expert attribution by VarietyVista

External References